Culture

Walking On -- Charles G. Haller & Harry Duane Coulson

05.14.2014 Ron Karten Walking On

Charles G. Haller

Sept. 28, 1945 - April 28, 2014

Tribal Elder Charles Gordon "Two Feathers" Haller made his way on April 28, 2014, surrounded by family members after complications from surgery.

He was born on Sept. 28, 1945, in Redding, Calif. He was a descendant of Louis Shanagrate and Therese Calapooia-LongTomsTribe, a descendant of Chief Joseph Shangaratti and Nancy Pisk, and was a member of the Kalapuya Tribe who confederated with the Tribes that make up Grand Ronde.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Cassidy; children, Talease Haller, Tomika Haller, Rebekah Sigler, Wendi Bowers, Robert Hansen Haller, Shawnn Harrison and Charles G. Haller II; grandchildren, Corissa Clyde, Dane Haller, Hayden Drumheiser, Jacob Gonet, Mhya Pearson, Michael Sigler, Samuel Sigler and Tia Blaize; sisters, Betty Garrett, Carol Gleason, Delores Knight, Geneva Hansaker, Hazel Porter and Marion Davidson; and brothers, Donald Haller, Edward Haller, Harvey Haller, Kenneth Haller, Robert Haller and Wilbur Haller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adeline Alvina Menard and Wilbur Daniel Haller; son, Ronald Harrison; sisters, Nellie Haller and Phyllis Cureton; brothers, Daniel Haller, Jim Haller, John Haller, Harold Haller, Harry Haller and a set of unnamed twins who died at birth. He also is survived and preceded by countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Charles - or Chuckie or Uncle or Chuck or Chuckles or Charlie or Two Feathers or Dad - had a difficult and challenging life. He overcame many hardships to reach harmony in his heart and serenity in his mind. Although this transformation took a long time to achieve, his self-sacrificing generosity, contagious laughter, unshakable faith and unfailing love endured his entire journey.

He loved his family and friends; he loved his Tribe and all Tribal members; he loved his higher spirit; and he loved those stolen moments on loose machines in the casino.

He was dedicated to his recovery and the recovery of others, and as a champion for all of those struggling with addiction. His legacy of strength, hope and passion will remain for all who knew him, and even those who didn't. He never gave up on people, never let them stand alone and never stopped trying to make those lives he touched better in some way. Even when he had nothing, he always had something to give: his time, his heart, a smile. When he said, "Relax, kiddo," you felt safe in his strength, and somehow knew everything was going to be OK.

Two Feathers came from a large immediate family, an even larger extended family and such an innumerable amount of friends that have been impacted by his life that his memory will never fade. May God, the Creator, hold him in peace and eternal love.

His memorial service was held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Tribal gymnasium at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. His burial service took place afterward at the Tribal Cemetery, and an honoring dinner and potluck followed at the Tribal Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, please donate toward his headstone through his brother, Kenny Haller. Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.dallastribute.com.

Harry Duane Coulson

Aug. 5, 1942 - May 4, 2014

Tribal spouse Harry Duane Coulson, 71, died on May 4, 2014. He was born in Salem, Ore., to Maurice and Edna Coulson. He was raised in the Willamette Valley and went to Cascade High School. After high school, Duane joined the Army and was honorably discharged on Jan. 6, 1962.

He was a skilled laborer and held various jobs throughout his work career. One job he held was as a square dance caller; no doubt as a result of his love to talk. His last job before retiring was as a custodian for the Willamina School District.

Duane had a daughter and three sons from his first two marriages. Duane met his current wife, Louise, in 1989 and they were married on July 30, 1990. Upon marrying Louise, he also gained three daughters and three sons.

Duane liked watching NASCAR and going to the car races in Lebanon, Ore. He enjoyed taking trips and going to concerts with his wife. He also was quite fond of reading and could be found with his head buried deep in a good novel. He never met a person he didn't like and it was through his love to talk that he met lots of folks just by striking up a conversation. He was well-loved by many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his mother, Edna; his wife, Louise; daughter, Vicki Cooper; sons, Brian and Bryant; sister, Francie Olson; stepchildren, Lynelle, Linda, Mark, Todd, Gregg and Mardell; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his father, Maurice, and his son, David.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at the Grand Ronde Cemetery Sanctuary. Interment followed with military honors presented. Following the service, there was a reception at the Elders' Activity Center.

Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.dallastribute.com